Do leg amputees use more energy?

Gonzalez et al4 and Traugh, Corcoran and Reyes8 have shown that even at half the walking speed of an able-bodied person, transfemoral amputees require 65% more energy. Waters et al6 found that the energy expenditure of traumatic amputees walking at about 60% of normal speed was increased by approximately 56%.

How much weight does an amputee lose?

Man, below-knee amputee, approximately 3/4 of the leg amputated – in this case we will add up the weight of the foot (1.37) and three quarters of the leg (0.75×4.33). The resulting weight percentage is 4.62%. Therefore, a man weighing 165 pounds will lose 7.62 pounds following a 3/4 leg, below-knee amputation.

Why do amputees need more calories?

All lower extremity amputees use more energy to walk as compared to able bodied people. Studies show that oxygen consumption for walking increases as the amputation level increases. Below knee amputees use more oxygen than partial foot amputees. Above knee amputees use more oxygen than below knee amputees.

How do you measure amputation levels?

Determination of the level of amputation is primarily based on clinical judgment. Assessment of the condition of the skin proved to be the major guideline. Amputations of the leg for peripheral vascular insufficiency. Level selection in lower extremity amputations.

How is energy expenditure measured in unilateral amputees following amputation?

In the first study, energy expenditure in unilateral amputees was measured at the transtibial, knee disarticulation, and transfemoral levels following amputation secondary to trauma. Patients had also worn their prostheses at least 6 months and did not use upper-limb aids (with the exception of some transfemoral amputees in the vascular group).

Does ambulation affect oxygen consumption during above-knee amputation?

Energy expenditure of ambulation in patients with above-knee amputations Oxygen consumption during ambulation was measured in nine middle-aged or elderly subjects having above-knee amputations, in an effort to determine the mode of ambulation and prosthetic prescription requiring the least energy expenditure.

How do you calculate amputation adjusted weight?

In patients who are more than 30% of an amputation ideal weight, an “amputation adjusted weight” may be used. This adjusted body weight uses an adjustment factor of 0.4 (or 40%). Adjusted body weight is commonly used for calculations like creatinine clearance. A d j u s t e d B W = I d e a l B W + (0.4 ∗ (A c t u a l B W − I d e a l B W))

Does the cost of amputation depend on the amputation level?

In the groups of traumatic and surgical amputees described above, the 0 2 cost progressively increased at each higher amputation level ranging from the transtibial to the transpelvic levels ( Fig 15-1. ). Patients with higher-level amputations had a less efficent gait and higher 0 2 cost than did those with lower-level amputations.